IRS Strengthens Authentication Process for its “Get Transcript” Online Service

With the goal of increasing protection for taxpayers, the IRS in June launched a more rigorous version of its re-authentication process – Get Transcript – that will make it harder for identity thieves to impersonate taxpayers and access tax return information.  

The relaunched program addresses cybersecurity threats via a new, more secure access framework that enables the IRS to require a two-step authentication process for all online tools.

According to IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and continue to access vast amounts of personal information through data breaches.

“In the face of that threat, we must provide the strongest possible authentication processes, while trying to enhance the ability of taxpayers to legitimately access their data and use IRS services online,” said Koskinen. “We recognize that enhanced security will increase the challenge for taxpayers accessing our online services.”

To access the new Get Transcript online feature, taxpayers must have an email address, a text-enabled mobile phone and specific financial account information, such as a credit card number or certain loan numbers. Taxpayers who registered using the older process must re-register and strengthen their authentication to access the new tool.

To learn detailed information about how to register, see How to Register to Get Transcript Online Using New Authentication Process on the IRS website.